Turkey's top military chiefs 'resign' over divisions with government

News agency reports that the most senior officers in army, navy and air force step down over rift with ruling administration

Turkey's state-run Anatolia news agency says the military's chiefs of staff have resigned because of tensions with the Islamic-rooted government.

NTV television, citing unnamed military sources, says the country's military chief and the commanders of the navy, air force and the army have resigned.

The resignation of so many top commanders for the first time ever signals a deep rift with the government and comes after a court charged 22 suspects, including several generals and officers, with carrying out an internet campaign to undermine the government.

The government and military leaders were also seeking a compromise deal over several key appointments during next week's high military council meeting.


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